Our perception of what it means to actually live has become skewed. People nowadays tend to live vicariously through others’ lives instead of living for themselves. We tend to pay the most attention to the people’s lives that seem effortless yet carefully constructed. We hear constantly about how we need to become better people. More confident, more good looking, more intelligent, etc. And while we may put those things into practice, the outward view of them is a deception or can only last so long before we go back to our old and insecure ways.

I think people have lost motivation so much that to compensate, they hyperfixate on the future by stating things like “I hope that someday…” instead of “I will do (x, y, z) to get me to where I want to be because that’s something I want for myself.”

With social media quite literally taking over the world, a lot of what we do has become performative whether we realize it or not. We feel the need to take a supercut of it all. People tell themselves they’re going to get better, and maybe they do. However, it typically doesn’t last for a long period of time. It’s unreasonable to think that life can always be steady, but I think that when you’ve genuinely healed and found out what “triggers” you, it becomes a lot easier to catch yourself when you fall.

An overwhelming amount of people nowadays have a hazy and negative outlook on the world. I hear lots of people complain about their life without even taking a split second to have some gratitude for what they already have. If you’re hungry for change, don’t complain about your life if you’re taking zero steps to change it.

Another thing is that we often don’t realize how good things are until they’re in the rear view mirror. Nostalgia has been an essential factor to the Gen Z blueprint. People regularly say things like “I wish I was born in the ‘90s; everyone seemed happier back then.” And regardless if what they’re saying is true, it’s almost dismissive to all the good things that are happening around us in real time. Based on what I’ve heard from my elders, the ‘90s were so good because no one cared. The main objective was to feel free and make memories you’d grip onto for the rest of time.

We’re too caught up in the modern-ness of it all. Technology is amazing and it’s incredible to be witnessing its evolution as we grow old. Be that as it may, actual life outside a screen is much more filling to the human soul.

Nothing is as significant as we think it is, so stop making a huge deal out of little things. Compliment that stranger you thought looked cool, maybe you’ll even become friends with them. Order something brand new at your favorite restaurant. And if you’re really feeling good, order for yourself. Sing and dance when the music’s loud, and admit that you like basic pop songs. Laugh and don’t hide your smile with your hand.

Nothing is permanent and the “embarrassing” things were most likely forgotten by everyone but you. The right thing will never pass you by.